Japa Journey is a guide about life in the United Kingdom for Nigerians. The article is full of tips and advice on how to survive life in the UK, including how to transition to a permanent resident.
“Japa” is the buzzing word for every hustling Nigerian who wants to leave the country. In short, any average Nigerian youth residing in the country intends to leave the country at any slightest opportunity. That is the reason for the coinage of this buzzing word. Japa journey is a game changer and a chance to breathe fresh air outside the country’s shores.
“What is japa?” you may ask. It is Nigerian slang, meaning “to run away.” So, for instance, if you wish to run away from Nigeria to a developed country, it means you want to japa. It became a powerful force when the Nigerian Twitter community made it popular.
So, if you want to legally japa from Nigeria to the UK and learn how to survive in your new location, this article is for you. You will also learn about the avenues you can japa and the checklist to enable you to go with the necessary possessions. Finally, you will learn what people are doing to survive in the UK
Table of Contents
- 1 What is the origin of the word “Japa?”
- 2 Why Nigerian Youths are Keying into this Japa Journey
- 3 Why immigrate to the UK?
- 4 What are the options for this Japa Journey, and how can You Survive in the UK?
- 5 Tips for getting permanent residence status – ILR
- 6 Japa Journey Checklist
- 7 Do you need a visa to travel from Nigeria to the UK?
What is the origin of the word “Japa?”
The first wave of this bubbling word occurred in the late 70s and 80s. Due to the activities of the government then, which had no positive impact on the citizens, the youths started leaving in droves. Many left for the US or UK because they were the major countries with a good standard of living. However, others left for other countries with better prospects for the younger generation.
Today, Nigerian youths are leaving the country due to the uncertainty of the future. As the day draws by, the trend is getting more serious, with those in the tech, engineering, and health industries leading on the japa journey. Before, it was only a dream; now, it is a movement, and an average Nigerian youth plans to japa from the country.
Why Nigerian Youths are Keying into this Japa Journey
Several motivating factors could push this “Japa rave.” Some are motivated by leaving the country and breathing fresh air out there. Others are mesmerized by greener pastures and plentiful opportunities in a foreign land. Without a doubt, an average Nigerian is a hardworking individual. Little wonder how most of them are making waves in international communities. Seeing how others succeed abroad, many are willing to go and try their luck.
Why immigrate to the UK?
The UK is now home to thousands of immigrants from Nigeria and other countries. Here are some factors driving many on their Japa journey to the UK:
Economic and labor market factors
The UK’s labor market is diverse and has something for every Nigerian who wishes to immigrate to the country. However, according to some research, demand for skilled labor and economic growth are the primary drivers of immigration. Besides, skilled immigrants have more chances of earning higher, although low-income earners can do various jobs to meet their financial demands.
Work factor
The most common reason for Nigerians to Japa to the UK is work. Going for studies follows it. However, due to the economic turbulence rocking the labor market of Nigeria, many Nigerians have found solace outside the country’s shores to upgrade their standard of living. The UK is one such country. After gaining ground, the next option is to apply for permanent residence in the UK.
Language factor
Since there is a link between Nigeria and the UK, including a shared language, it is easy for Nigerians to immigrate to the UK for language purposes. There is no need to start learning a new language before you can mix it up in the country. It is a great advantage.
Study factor
UK universities and colleges are another significant factors in people immigrating to the UK from Nigeria. After the US, the UK is another country with the highest number of international students. Moreover, this is one of the most accessible routes to travel to the UK.
What are the options for this Japa Journey, and how can You Survive in the UK?
To Japa from Nigeria to the UK, many opportunities are awaiting you. In the same way, you will have many options to explore. Hence, everyone is not leaving the country for the same purpose. Here are the available routes for the Japa journey:
As a Student
One of (if not the) fastest means to travel to the UK from Nigeria is through a student visa. You can apply to study for an undergraduate or a postgraduate program in any UK university as an international student. There are abundant colleges and universities in the UK to apply to. They also have diverse requirements and available scholarships to help you if you are a student on a budget. After your studies, you may transition to living and working in the UK and ultimately becoming a permanent resident. Check if you qualify for a UK student scholarship here!
As a Professional
Many Nigerian citizens leaving for the UK are already working and only wish to continue their professional careers abroad, where they would earn better and enjoy a high standard of living. To achieve that, you will need to obtain a work visa.
As an Investor
Some already-established Nigerians travel to the UK to invest in the country’s economy. It guarantees them more returns investing in the UK than in Nigeria because of the insecurities and hardships hovering over the Nigerian economy. You can obtain an investor visa and Japa to the UK to start a business.
Through Talent
If you are highly skilled in one area, you may be fortunate to Japa to the UK with your skills. A good example is athletic or football skills. How can you relocate to the UK using your skills and available offers to bounce in quickly? As you sharpen your skills and look for opportunities in that field, you can leverage to immigrate to the UK.
Through Family
In this case, your family member is already living in the UK. It could be your spouse or a close family member. You may have to research this better to know the conditions to enable you to Japa to the UK.
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Tips for getting permanent residence status – ILR
With a visa success rate of more than 90%, the UK is now home to thousands of Nigerians who share the same ambition of migrating from a two-year graduate visa to a Tier 2 visa that leads to indefinite leave of residence (ILR) after five years. You can apply for British Citizenship within a year of getting your ILR. If you are planning to make the UK your home, here are a few tips you need to know about getting Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Acquire skills and experience: The UK now has numerous immigration paths in place to attract and retain “elite talents” in certain fields. So, depending on your talents and expertise, as well as how you prioritize your time, you may not be among those vying for a Tier 2 Visa.
Those with prior experience in Nigeria set aside time to apply for experienced employment with sponsorship, and by the time they complete their graduate courses, a job is already waiting for them.
Travel with your Spouse to the Uk: Married folks find the “long” study route easier to complete. So, it works like this: the woman begins her Master’s degree, the husband becomes dependant, works to pay tuition fees, and both of them are granted a two-year graduate visa. After the graduate visa expires, the husband begins a Master’s degree, the wife becomes dependant, and one eventually obtains a Ph.D. to complete the ten-year visa process and receive ILR.
Spousal visas: Another group of single men and women may try to remain with Spousal visas. You may strategically date people with British citizenship. But, be careful not to get into trouble as the UK government has a system put in place to check the genuineness of the marriage.
Healthcare visa: the healthcare visa is also a way for many people who come in as students and immediately switch to the healthcare visa after a few months in the UK. in addition, Some people look for care homes to sponsor them. So, make your plans and explore routes that offer growth prospects.
Japa Journey Checklist
As you start your japa journey to the UK, you may face a challenging situation regarding what to relocate with. You need to understand what to go with and what to leave behind. Never mind, we have figured that out for you. Below is the checklist of the items you would need for the japa journey:
Get the appropriate information
Information is power, we all know. There are numerous tools offline and online to let you know what you need to do and how to do it. Multiple information blogs, like naijajapa.com, would furnish you with the relevant information for your Japa journey. Ensure to do the necessary research, so you do not get into the wrong hands. Find out about the UK culture, people, food, economy, visa requirements, and other factors determining your success. You can visit the UK official website for the information.
Get a or renew your passport
It is necessary to obtain the passport when it is processing your visa application so it does not expire before you are ready. But, you know, the process can take a bit longer, affecting the validity of your passport.
Assemble supporting funds
Without a doubt, you need money for your japa journey to become a success. If there is no money, there is nothing much you can do regarding this dream. However, you can search for a fully funded scholarship if you have little funds. It is better to be financially armed for the journey ahead than to get stuck in the middle.
Check your health status
Your health status is a prerequisite to your japa journey to the UK. if you are not fit or have a chronic disease, you may be disqualified for the offer. Hence, you must go to a well-recognised hospital to determine your health status and get treatment if possible.
Learn new skills
You need to learn new skills that would benefit your new environment. Find out the marketable skills to the city or country you may be residing in. for instance, you can get a driving skill or learn hair-making before traveling. You can use the skills to make some money to keep you steady until you get a job.
Gather your documents
You will need several documents to immigrate to the UK successfully. So you need to assemble all of them and keep them safe ahead of the travel. Also, have a photocopy of each of them in case there is a need.
Do you need a visa to travel from Nigeria to the UK?
Yes, it would be best to have a visa to enable you japa from Nigeria to the UK. As a rule of thumb, you must obtain your UK visa before leaving Nigeria. However, depending on your travel reason, you can acquire it at the port of arrival. Moreover, you must receive a confirmation of your visa application acceptance before you are qualified to leave Nigeria.
There are several visa categories to apply to, depending on why you want to immigrate to the UK from Nigeria. Each category also has specific requirements, eligibility, and documents to qualify for the application.
Conclusion
Your japa journey is a good dream. But first, you must fulfill the requirements to make it a reality. In this guide, we believe you have obtained the necessary information to help you start the journey. Also, Check out Countries you can migrate to if you’re tired of Nigeria!